Disappointments are Guiding Lights to our Purpose.
 | Author:
Ellie West, Certified Master Practitioner of NLP, Time Line Therapy, and Hypnosis
Inside Inspiration: Certified NLP Coach/Practitioner Of Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy |
Disappointments are Guiding Lights to our Purpose.
Ellie West
Certified Master Practitioner of NLP, Time Line Therapy, and Hypnosis
Life is a journey of ups and downs, celebrations and setbacks, joys and disappointments. While rejoicing in the highs and achievements is natural, it's equally important to recognize the value that disappointments bring to our lives. Though often seen as painful detours, disappointments are not roadblocks but guiding lights pointing us toward a more meaningful and purposeful path.
When faced with disappointments, it's easy to become disheartened and question our worth and abilities. However, it's important to remember that disappointments are not meant to hurt but to guide us. Just as a ship's captain adjusts their course based on changing winds and currents, so must we adapt our paths based on the changing circumstances of life.
My husband and I love baseball, so we made a quick trip to Minneapolis to watch a Twins game. The game is tied 2 to 2 in the top of the ninth. The Twins brought in a relief pitcher, which is relatively common during the last inning. The pitcher throws the first pitch, and the batter hits a single. The second batter comes up, and he hits a single, and now we have players on first and second. The third batter comes to the plate, and the pitcher hits the batter, causing the batter to walk. Bases are now loaded. The fourth batter comes to bat, and the pitcher walks him, giving the Rangers a run.
The coach brings in a new pitcher, and the next batter approaches the plate. The pitcher walks the batter and gives the Rangers another run. The bases are again loaded. I have never witnessed what happens next…the pitcher hits the batter, and he walks, giving the Rangers another run and bringing the score 5 to 2. Bases are loaded, and the next batter gets a pop-up, but the player on third makes it to home base, and they score their 4th run.
After the game, my husband and I discussed how disappointing it must have been for the Twins, especially the two relief pitchers. There was tremendous pressure during that inning with the loaded bases. It makes me wonder what the pitchers were thinking; where was their focus and mindset?
But then I think about disappointments and what they teach us. Whenever I have been disappointed in life, I have to stop and reflect that those disappointments are gentle nudges guiding me toward a path of resilience better suited for my growth. When faced with setbacks, we must keep pushing forward, maintaining unwavering dedication to our dreams and ambitions.
I have learned to persevere as life is unpredictable and that setbacks are part of the journey. It's in these moments of disappointment that our true strength shines through. Each disappointment is an opportunity to prove our determination and to rise above adversity. We develop the skills to weather future storms when we navigate these rough waters.
I faced a disappointment recently, which allowed me to grow and look deeper into who I am…who I was created to be. It forced me to reevaluate my priorities. When things don't go as planned, we have a chance to introspect: Are we on the right path? Is this truly what we want? These moments of pause allow us to make adjustments and realign ourselves with our true passions and aspirations.
Just as a sculptor chips away at a block of stone to reveal a masterpiece, disappointments shape us into better versions of ourselves. They chisel away at our egos, overconfidence, and complacency, leaving us with the refined qualities of humility, wisdom, and perseverance. Each disappointment adds depth to our character, making us more empathetic and understanding.
It's important to remember that disappointments are not indicative of our worth. They don't define us; they refine us. In these moments of disappointment, we can lean on our faith, as disappointments can be seen as part of a divine plan.
As a gardener prunes a plant to encourage healthier growth, disappointments prune our lives to allow us to flourish in ways we might not have considered.
So, the next time life hands you a disappointment, take a moment to pause, reflect, and embrace it. Instead of dwelling on the setback, choose to see it as an opportunity for a comeback.
Embrace the lessons that disappointments offer; they are the stepping stones to incredible opportunities toward a journey that's uniquely yours.
"Disappointments are just God's way of saying, 'I've got something better.” ~Unknown
To connect with Ellie FB @coachelliewest Certified Master Practitioner of NLP, TLT, & Hypnosis
